COLUMBIA, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Osiris Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:OSIR - News), announced the formation of a Nuclear and Radiological Countermeasure Advisory Board. The Advisory Board will provide guidance to the company on the development of Prochymal(TM) for use as a medical countermeasure for nuclear terrorism and other radiological emergencies.
Steven Bice, Martin Hauer-Jensen, M.D., Ph.D., Hans Klingemann, M.D., Ph.D., Thomas J. MacVittie, Ph.D., and Major General John S. Parker, M.D. US Army (Ret.), each recognized experts in areas that are relevant to the initiative, joined the Advisory Board to assist Osiris with its groundbreaking efforts to aid government agencies of the United States and its allies against the threats of nuclear and radiological attack.
"We are excited and honored to have assembled such an outstanding advisory board," said C. Randal Mills, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Osiris. "Expert counsel and insight is critical to ensuring the program's success. Collectively, the members provide insight into the practical considerations of radiation countermeasure, optimal delivery options, best clinical practices, and cutting-edge research on the effectiveness of new treatments. Ultimately, their support will help protect both military and civilian populations."
Steven Bice served for 35 years with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and served as the head of the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) from its inception in 1999, until his retirement in 2005. Mr. Bice oversaw the establishment of the Emergency Operations Center for CDC, and managed continuous deployments of critical medical staff throughout the world to address medical emergencies including SARS, avian flu, and the tsunami in Southeast Asia.
Martin Hauer-Jensen, M.D., Ph.D. is a Professor of Surgery and Pathology at the University of Arkansas Cancer Research Center. Dr. Jensen leads a team that investigates the basic mechanisms of radiation injury and developing strategies to prevent, reduce, or treat radiation injury. Dr. Hauer-Jensen is a Project Leader and member of the Steering Committee for the Radiation Countermeasures Center of Research Excellence (RadCCORE) at Duke University and a reviewer and advisor for the Radiation Event Medical Management (REMM) group at the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services.
Hans Klingemann, M.D., Ph.D. is a Professor of Medicine and the Director of the Bone Marrow & Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Program at Tufts University School of Medicine. Dr. Klingemann was one of the first physicians to use Prochymal successfully for the emergency treatment of the critically ill. Dr. Klingemann is an international authority in the field of stem cell transplantation whose publications include over 150 original manuscripts, 15 book chapters, 9 books, and many editorials and reviews.
Thomas J. MacVittie, Ph.D. is a Professor in the Departments of Radiation Oncology and Pathology at the University of Maryland, Baltimore. Dr. MacVittie is recognized internationally as an expert in radiation-induced injury and has published 135 peer-reviewed manuscripts and 42 chapters in books or proceedings. Dr. MacVittie is a member of the NIAID/FDA Medical Countermeasures Working Group (WG) as well as the CDC Strategic National Stockpile Radiation WG. He has served as an advisor to the WHO Collaborating Centers in Radiation Emergency Medical Preparedness and Assistance and as a member of NATO Radiation Research Study Groups.
Major General John S. Parker, M.D. U.S. Army (Ret.) is currently Senior Vice President supporting SAIC's efforts in national homeland defense and biological threat reduction. Among his many appointments in 37 years of distinguished military service, General Parker was Commanding General, U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command; Special Assistant Secretary of Defense for Medical, Chemical and Biological Defense; and Commanding General of Medical Contracting Activity at Fort Detrick.
A more detailed biography for each member of the Advisory Board is available on our website at www.Osiris.com.
About Osiris Therapeutics
Osiris Therapeutics, Inc. is a leading stem cell therapeutic company focused on developing and marketing products to treat medical conditions in the inflammatory, orthopedic and cardiovascular areas. Osiris currently markets and sells Osteocel® for regenerating bone in orthopedic indications. Prochymal(TM) is in Phase III clinical trials for both Graft versus Host Disease and Crohn's disease and is the only stem cell therapeutic currently designated by FDA as both an Orphan Drug and Fast Track product. Osiris has also partnered with Genzyme Corporation to develop Prochymal(TM) as a medical countermeasure to nuclear terrorism and other radiological emergencies. The Company's pipeline of internally developed biologic drug candidates under evaluation also includes Chondrogen(TM) for arthritis in the knee, and Provacel(TM), for repairing heart tissue following a heart attack. Osiris is a fully integrated company, having developed capabilities in research, development, manufacturing, marketing and distribution of stem cell products. Osiris has developed an extensive intellectual property portfolio to protect the company's technology in the United States and a number of foreign countries including 47 U.S. and 167 foreign patents owned or licensed. More information can be found on the company's website, www.Osiris.com. (OSIR-G)
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Contact: Osiris Therapeutics, Inc. Erica Elchin, 443-545-1834
Source: Osiris Therapeutics, Inc.
